Large police presence in capital as anti-government protesters gather at Parliament
Some roads in central Wellington are closed and police are out in force today as a large anti-government protest gathers at Parliament.
Extra police were called in from outside the Wellington police district.
A traffic management plan is in place to restrict unauthorised vehicle movement and parking around Parliament until the protest ends, a police statement says.
The action is organised by a group associated with Destiny Church.
Its leader Brian Tamaki is expected to announce that he is forming a new party he hopes will draw votes from a number of anti-government groups, including those which are against Covid-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates.
Police say any behaviour deemed unlawful would not be tolerated.
"Trespass orders remain in place for some people who were trespassed from Parliament earlier this year and we will look to enforce those orders."
Superintendent Corrie Parnell says police is monitoring the Freedoms and Rights Coalition protest in Wellington.
"As a precaution, additional police staff have been called in from outside the Wellington Police District and plans are in place to respond if required.
"Police is aware a counter-protest group is also planning to gather near Parliament.
"Our primary mission is to maintain law and order, and to ensure the public feels safe and free to move around.
"While police will respect the right to lawful protest, any behaviour deemed unlawful or that disrupts people from going about their lawful business will not be tolerated.
"Any unsafe or dangerous behaviour occurring throughout the event will be followed up by police and appropriate action taken."
A detour is in place for Metlink bus services in the Wellington CBD because of protest action.
The detour has taken effect as of 9.45am.
With protestors marching from Civic Square to Parliament, buses that would normally use Lambton Quay and Wills Street will detour along Jervois and Waterloo Quays.
Bus routes 14, 32X, 22, 81, 84, 744, 745 heading toward Molesworth Steet will travel along Bowen Street and Tinakori Road to avoid the Parliamentary precinct.
All buses will still be able to access the Bus Interchange at Wellington Railway Station.
Metlink general manager Samantha Gain said the detours were necessary to keep staff and passengers safe while maintaining services for those travelling from the station.
Metlink passengers are encouraged to check the Metlink website and app or call 0800 801 700 for the latest information.
Some roads in central Wellington are closed and police are out in force today as a large anti-government protest gathers at Parliament.
Extra police were called in from outside the Wellington police district.
A traffic management plan is in place to restrict unauthorised vehicle movement and...
Some roads in central Wellington are closed and police are out in force today as a large anti-government protest gathers at Parliament.
Extra police were called in from outside the Wellington police district.
A traffic management plan is in place to restrict unauthorised vehicle movement and parking around Parliament until the protest ends, a police statement says.
The action is organised by a group associated with Destiny Church.
Its leader Brian Tamaki is expected to announce that he is forming a new party he hopes will draw votes from a number of anti-government groups, including those which are against Covid-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates.
Police say any behaviour deemed unlawful would not be tolerated.
"Trespass orders remain in place for some people who were trespassed from Parliament earlier this year and we will look to enforce those orders."
Superintendent Corrie Parnell says police is monitoring the Freedoms and Rights Coalition protest in Wellington.
"As a precaution, additional police staff have been called in from outside the Wellington Police District and plans are in place to respond if required.
"Police is aware a counter-protest group is also planning to gather near Parliament.
"Our primary mission is to maintain law and order, and to ensure the public feels safe and free to move around.
"While police will respect the right to lawful protest, any behaviour deemed unlawful or that disrupts people from going about their lawful business will not be tolerated.
"Any unsafe or dangerous behaviour occurring throughout the event will be followed up by police and appropriate action taken."
A detour is in place for Metlink bus services in the Wellington CBD because of protest action.
The detour has taken effect as of 9.45am.
With protestors marching from Civic Square to Parliament, buses that would normally use Lambton Quay and Wills Street will detour along Jervois and Waterloo Quays.
Bus routes 14, 32X, 22, 81, 84, 744, 745 heading toward Molesworth Steet will travel along Bowen Street and Tinakori Road to avoid the Parliamentary precinct.
All buses will still be able to access the Bus Interchange at Wellington Railway Station.
Metlink general manager Samantha Gain said the detours were necessary to keep staff and passengers safe while maintaining services for those travelling from the station.
Metlink passengers are encouraged to check the Metlink website and app or call 0800 801 700 for the latest information.
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